http://www.scubazoo.com/live_reef_fish_trade.html

'The coral reefs of South East Asia support some of the highest marine biodiversity in the world. Known as the ‘rainforests of the sea’, they harbour incredible numbers of species, from minute fish to giant mammals. Rare and unique animals abound, and species have evolved to fill every part of this habitat.

The Sulu Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion lies at the very heart of this rich, tropical realm. Defined by the coastlines of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Phillipines, the SSME boasts over 3,000 species of fish, many of which are only found on coral reefs. And for the millions of people that call this area home, these animals, and others like them, have provided food and incomes for generations.

The Malaysian state of Sabah, located in northern Borneo, has over 1600 km of shoreline, and boasts 75% of all the coral reefs found in Malaysia. Concentrated around Kudat, Sandakan and Semporna, these reefs have long been prime fisheries for the local population. Today, they are also important for the capture and export of life reef fish for restaurants throughout SE Asia.

In 2003, the live reef fish trade in Sabah was worth over 30 million RM, with more than 600 metric tons being exported by air or sea. For the average village fisherman, 60-70% of his income came from the capture of live fish. In cities such as Kota Kinabalu restaurants selling live fish have sprung up, catering for the large numbers of primarily asian tourists that visit the state in search of cheap and plentiful seafood. And now, with the emergence of China as a potential market and the continued growth of cities throughout SE Asia, the live reef fish trade can only continue to develop.

The small-scale fishermen are the backbone of this industry. These fishermen belong to the many small coastal communities and often live below the poverty line. Operating singly, or in groups with a larger support boat, they use hook and line or fish traps to bring in their catch. Unfortunately, due to the demand and high prices offered by the industry, many fishermen also resort to the illegal use of sodium cyanide to target high value species; Napolean wrasse, bumphead parrot fish, mouse grouper, coral trout and spiny lobster are all captured using this method.

However Sabah now faces a dilemma. The continuous exploitation of marine natural resources threatens to destroy the habitats, and the very species, that the live fish trade depends upon. Whilst the reefs in Sabah and the neighbouring waters can still provide supplies of live fish, it is becoming increasingly obvious that this is not sustainable at the current levels.

It is vital that the industry now moves to more sustainable practices. Without the reefs and their inhabitants, the live reef fish trade cannot continue. It is in the interest of all parties - the fishermen, cage owners and exporters – to conserve and protect the very ecosystems that provide them with their livelihoods.

By shifting towards more environmentally sound methods Sabah has the opportunity to both protect its reefs, as well as expand this lucrative industry. Aquaculture techniques mean that the corals and wild stocks of fish, so important to the entire marine ecosystem, can be preserved. In the future and with the cooperation of all, the entire SSME region can benefit from Sabah’s expertise. Whilst the live reef fish trade is here to stay, it can become a model for the sustainable development of the marine environment, and help preserve that which it depends on – the bountiful reefs and fish life found within the ‘coral triangle’.

SCUBAZOO was contracted by the WWF in 2004 to produce a short film detailing the live reef fish trade throughout Sabah and beyond. Rather than dwell on the negative aspects, the film concentrates on possible solutions that will allow this important trade to continue, whilst still preserving the incredible reefs of Sabah and the SSME. By showing this film to government officials, to business men and to the fishermen themselves, WWF hope to change the way the live reef fish trade is run, and the way humans use reefs in the future.

This 15 minute film was produced entirely in-house - from the initial story-boarding and script writing to the final edit, SCUBAZOO were responsible for the entire project.'



View/download the short film here (link on right sidebar): http://www.scubazoo.com/live_reef_fish_trade.html